Thursday, January 20, 2011

Catholic bishop in Hungary resigns, diocese under investigation for fraud, other crimes

Hungary's Catholic Church says that a bishop whose diocese is being investigated by police and prosecutors for fraud and other crimes has resigned.

The Hungarian Conference of Catholic Bishops says that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Mihaly Mayer and named Andras Veres to temporarily oversee his duties in the Diocese of Pecs, in southern Hungary.

A statement released Wednesday says Mayer's resignation is based upon an article of church law which asks bishops to relinquish their post if they have become "less able to fulfil their office."

The Somogy County Prosecutor's Office says the investigation into activities of the diocese led by Mayer since 1989 has been ongoing for several months.

SIC: TCP/INT'L